Bligh was appointed governor of New South Wales, but was not able to govern. The Rum Corps had deposed him and left him in exile on Van Dieman's Land. He liked to complain of his hardships to any Navy man, or officer he could find. When Bligh insisted that Tom Riley and John Granby attack the harbor and demand the rebels give in, they both refused.

William Laurence thought very little of him and could well understand why the New South Wales been refused to accept him as their governor. He much preferred John Macarthur, one of the rebels. Though this meant that Laurence would not be able to secure a pardon from the governor of New South Wales, which was his best way to return to England.